The Lagos State Government has called on residents to adopt proactive strategies to combat land degradation and improve resilience to drought.
The call was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, during the grand finale of the 2024 World Environment Day Celebration held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, on Saturday.
Highlighting the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” Mr. Wahab stressed the urgency of addressing the critical environmental challenges that threaten the sustainability of the planet.
He noted that Lagos, as a burgeoning megacity, is not immune to the environmental challenges posed by rapid urbanization and population growth.
“Land degradation, driven by unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and climate change, affects about 1.9 billion hectares of land globally,” Wahab stated.
He further explained that desertification, which transforms fertile land into desert, is a significant environmental issue affecting over 168 countries, exacerbating the impacts of climate change and endangering ecosystem resilience.
Wahab emphasized that Nigeria, with its vast and diverse landscapes, faces severe threats from land degradation and desertification, particularly in the northern regions.
He highlighted that the encroachment of deserts and the loss of arable land negatively impact agricultural productivity, water resources, and the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
“The health of our land directly influences food security, water availability, biodiversity, livelihoods, and overall well-being,” Wahab stated.
In response to the challenges, the commissioner discussed the state’s Sustainable Land Management initiative, stressing that it aims to enhance soil fertility and productivity while contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
He also mentioned a Community Engagement and Education initiative designed to empower communities with knowledge and resources to promote sustainable land practices and drought resilience.
“The journey ahead may be daunting, but I am confident that with our collective determination, we can overcome these challenges.
“Our efforts to restore our land, combat desertification, and enhance our resilience to drought will yield lasting benefits for our environment, economy, and future generations,” he stated.
The Commissioner also reiterated the Lagos state government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws to curb infractions and protect the environment.
In his welcome address, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, noted that ecosystems are under immense pressure from urbanization, climate change, pollution, and unsustainable land use practices.
He called for a collective effort to reimagine the relationship with nature, create sustainable solutions, and restore ecological balance.
Mr Rotimi-Akodu highlighted Lagos State’s long-standing dedication to environmental conservation and sustainability, citing initiatives such as tree planting and waste management reforms.
The event culminated with the presentation of Green Awards to private sector operators for their contributions to Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Reporting, and Environmental Restoration.
